Ethel Barrymore
Ethel Barrymore: A Legendary Actress of Stage and Screen
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Ethel Barrymore was born on August 15, 1879, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was a renowned American actress of stage and screen, known professionally as Ethel Barrymore.
#### Birth and Death Dates
August 15, 1879 – June 18, 1959
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American Actress (Theater, Film)
#### Early Life and Background
Ethel Barrymore was born into a family of actors. Her parents, Maurice Barrymore and Georgiana Drew Barrymore, were both part of the renowned theatrical families known as the "Four Barons" – John Drew, his wife, Georgiana, and their children, Ethel, Lionel, and John. Growing up in this environment, Ethel was surrounded by the arts from a young age and developed an early passion for acting.
#### Major Accomplishments
Ethel Barrymore began her stage career at the age of 17, performing on Broadway in various productions throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. Her breakthrough role came in 1911 when she starred as Lady Teazle in _The School for Scandal_. Over the course of her six-decade-long career, Ethel appeared in over 50 films, including _Dracula_ (1931), _Dinner at Eight_ (1933), and _None But the Lonely Heart_ (1944).
#### Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her film work, Ethel Barrymore was a respected stage actress. She performed on Broadway in productions such as _The Night of January 16th_ (1935) and _The Corn is Green_ (1940). Her talent earned her numerous awards, including a Tony Award for Best Actress in 1940.
#### Impact and Legacy
Ethel Barrymore's impact on the world of theater and film cannot be overstated. She was one of the first women to gain recognition as an actress in Hollywood, paving the way for future generations of female stars. Her work continues to inspire actors today, with many citing her dedication to her craft and ability to command a stage as role models.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ethel Barrymore is widely quoted and remembered due to her extensive body of work in both theater and film. Her talent, longevity, and influence on the industry have made her a beloved figure in American entertainment history.
Quotes by Ethel Barrymore
The arts are not just instantaneous pleasure – if you don’t like it, the artist is wrong. I belong to the generation which says if you don’t like it, you don’t understand and you ought to find out.
[On Hollywood:] It looks, it feels, as though it had been invented by a Sixth Avenue peepshow man.
[At age 76:] A good life is like a good play -- it has to have a satisfying and exciting third act.
For an actress to be a success she must have the face of Venus, the brains of Minerva, the grace of Terpsichore, the memory of Macaulay, the figure of Juno, and the hide of a rhinoceros